Over 120 Dead After Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse: The Dangers of Structural Collapse

What was meant to be a night of music and celebration turned into unimaginable tragedy when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican capital collapsed during a live merengue performance. The packed venue, known for hosting high-profile entertainers and frequented by local celebrities, became a disaster zone just before 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Authorities confirm that at least 120 people have died as of April 9, 2025. Emergency crews worked around the clock, pulling survivors from beneath massive slabs of concrete and twisted metal. Rescue efforts continued well into the day as officials clung to hope that more people could be saved from the rubble.

Among the deceased were notable public figures including Nelsy Cruz, the provincial governor and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. Dozens of others, including Dominican congress members and musicians, were also caught in the collapse. Rescue teams reported hearing sounds from within the debris, leading to a carefully coordinated search and rescue mission.

“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” said Enrique Paulino, the bloodied manager of merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the collapse. Pérez was still missing as of the latest update, while his saxophonist was confirmed dead.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the structural failure. The nightclub, which has hosted events for decades, is now the subject of intense scrutiny. No official word has been released regarding the building’s inspection history or whether structural concerns had previously been raised.

While the Dominican Republic tragedy occurred outside the United States, the event raises crucial questions about structural safety and legal accountability. In Florida, commercial buildings like nightclubs, concert venues, and bars are required to adhere to strict building codes and inspection protocols. However, when those safeguards are neglected—whether due to poor construction, deferred maintenance, or unauthorized renovations—the consequences can be catastrophic.

If a similar incident occurred in Florida, injured individuals and the families of those killed would have legal options under the state’s premises liability and wrongful death laws.

Understanding Legal Recourse After a Structural Collapse in Florida

Unfortunately, Florida is no stranger to the horrors of large-scale structural failure. In June 2021, the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed in the middle of the night, killing 98 people and injuring many more. The Surfside collapse became one of the deadliest building failures in U.S. history and served as a wake-up call about aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and accountability.

Under Florida premises liability law, property owners, landlords, and business operators have a legal duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. That includes:

• Ensuring buildings meet all applicable structural and safety codes
• Promptly addressing known hazards such as leaks, cracks, or signs of collapse
• Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance
• Obtaining proper permits for renovations and expansions

If a roof or structural element fails due to negligence, the victims—or their surviving families—can pursue a civil claim to recover damages.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims in Florida

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes 768.16–768.26), the personal representative of a deceased victim’s estate can file a lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members. Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and medical expenses
• Loss of income and financial support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and services

For survivors who were injured in the collapse, a personal injury claim may allow for compensation for:

• Emergency and long-term medical treatment
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Determining liability in a structural collapse may involve investigating architects, engineers, contractors, property owners, and even government inspectors. In complex cases, structural engineers and building code experts are often brought in to identify the exact cause of the failure.

The heartbreak unfolding in Santo Domingo reminds us that building safety is not just about compliance—it’s about lives. While this tragedy took place abroad, it underscores the critical importance of oversight, accountability, and swift legal action when preventable disasters occur.

For more information about premises liability or wrongful death claims in Florida, or to understand your rights after a serious injury, contact the legal team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation in English or Spanish.